Polarizable phenanthroline complex crystal having improved stability to heat and moisture

ABSTRACT

A complex crystal is composed of anion of triiodine and cation of a fused compound consisting essentially of at least one nitrogen atom and at least 3 aromatic fused rings. Since the complex crystal has such a stable structure, it shows excellent heat resistance and excellent moisture resisting property. Furthermore, the complex crystal has light-polarizing performance because of an arrangement of the molecular chain of iodine. Moreover, the complex crystal exhibits excellent polarization because of an interaction between the fused compound and iodine. Therefore, the complex crystal is suitable for use as light-adjusting particles of a light valve or a light-adjusting glass.

This application is a continuation, of application Ser. No. 08/202,925 filed Feb. 28, 1994, now abandoned, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07,987,961 filed Dec. 11, 1992, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a complex crystal which is suitable for use as a light-adjusting component of a light valve or a light-adjusting glass, and which is composed of cation of a fused compound having a nitrogen atom in its molecule and anion of iodine.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, a light-adjusting component has been used to disperse light-polarizing particles into a dispersion medium, and to make them orient by applying an electric field on the dispersion medium. Furthermore, the light-adjusting component has been used to randomize the light-polarizing particles to control optical properties (light-transmitting and light-screening performance) of the dispersion medium. It is proposed that a complex ion such as herapathite is used as light-polarizing particles. When the light-polarizing particles are used for a light-adjusting component, a dispersion medium containing the light-polarizing particles is filled into a gap between a pair of transparent electrodes attached to a pair of transparent substrates. The dispersion medium may be filled into a micro cell in order to improve optical properties or safety of the light-adjusting component.

The above-mentioned dispersion medium containing the light-polarizing particles almost contains moisture. Therefore, molecules of water destroy a clathlate structure of a complex ion. As s result, polarizability deteriorates. The light-polarizing particles which are known at present have poor moisture resisting property. In order to obtain durability and stability of a light-adjusting component, light-polarizing particles require excellent moisture resisting property.

Since automobiles have been improved their performance, it is desired that a windshield glass can screen a light. Therefore, it is necessary to manufacture a light-screening glass as a light-adjusting component by using light-polarizing particles. When a light-screening glass is formed by a light-adjusting component comprising the above-described light-polarizing particles, a dispersion medium containing the light-polarizing particles should be sealed in the middle stage of manufacturing a laminated glass. However, the light-polarizing particles deteriorate or decompose when they are exposed to a temperature above 100° C. Therefore, the light-polarizing particles are not suitable for use as the laminated glass for automobiles which is produced at a temperature above 130° C.

In order to obtain a long-lived light-adjusting component, it is required to provide a complex crystal which shows excellent heat resistance and excellent moisture resisting property.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a complex crystal which is suitable for a light-adjusting component.

A complex crystal according to the present invention is characterized in that it is composed of anion of triiodine and cation of a polycyclic aromatic compound consisting essentially of at least one nitrogen atom and at least 3 aromatic fused rings.

The polycyclic aromatic compound is reacted with acid and iodine, thereby obtaining the complex crystal as a crystal comprising cation and anion. The complex crystal shows stable and strong polarizability, so it is suitable for a light-adjusting component which exhibits excellent heat resistance and excellent moisture resisting property.

A polycyclic aromatic compound include a plurality of aromatic rings being unified and having one side in common. The polycyclic aromatic compound, for example, includes naphthalene in which two benzene rings are condensed.

As for the fused compound according to the present invention, the number of aromatic fused rings is more than that of naphthalene, that is, the number of aromatic fused rings is not less than 3. In the fused compound, heterocyclic rings or rings of a cyclic compound in which atoms comprise only carbon can be the fused rings. Furthermore, the fused compound should have at least one nitrogen atom in its molecule. In the fused compound, a nitrogen atom may exist for constituting the above heterocyclic rings (for example, a pyridine ring or a pyrazine ring), or it may be combined with a substitutional group.

The above heterocyclic rings may contain a sulfur atom or an oxygen atom.

Since the number of aromatic fused rings is at least 3, the fused compound is tricyclic, tetracyclic or a pentacyclic. When the fused compound becomes polycyclic, a conjugate system becomes long and a molecular amount increases. Thus, the aromatic rings are condensed to form the long conjugate system. The long conjugate system is decomposed at a high temperature, and it is less dissolved into a solvent. Namely, the stability of the conjugate system is improved since the molecular amounts increases and the conjugate system becomes long. Furthermore, when the number of aromatic fused rings increases, the molecular structure becomes stiff. At the same time, the polarizability of the heterocyclic rings containing an atom except carbon becomes high, and the heterocyclic rings are less dissolved into the dispersion medium having low polarizability such as ditridecyl phthalate. In the complex crystal comprising the above fused compound, the fused compound covers an iodide ion (I₃ ⁻), and it protects a complex crystal from an attack of water, oxygen or the solvent. Furthermore, an expanse of the fused compound stabilizes the whole of atoms stereochemically. Therefore, the complex crystal improves its stability, heat resistance, moisture resisting property and solvent resisting property. A nitrogen atom is an active spot for producing a complex.

The fused compound containing nitrogen is classified into two types: One is a fused compound in which a nitrogen atom is included in a fused ring, and the other is a fused compound in which a nitrogen atom is included in a side chain connected with a fused ring. The former includes acridine, phenanthridine, 1,7-phenanthroline, 1,10-phenanthroline, 4,7-phenanthroline, phenazine, phenoxazine, phenothiazine, carbazole, imino stilbene, pyrazino (2,3-f) phenanthroline (shown as structural formula 1), or dipyrido (3,2-a:2',3'-c) phenazine (shown as structural formula 2). These may contain a nitrogen-containing functional group such as amino group as a side chain. The nitrogen-containing functional group may include amide group, hydrazide group, imino group, or guanidyl group. ##STR1##

Moreover, the polycyclic aromatic compound may contain a halogen substituent, aliphatic hydrocarbon substituent having less than 10 carbons, an aromatic hydrocarbon substituent, or their combination by way of sulfur or oxygen atom. The substituent which is combined by way of sulfur or oxygen, for example, includes methoxy group, ethoxy group, phenoxy group, methylthio group, ethylthio group, or phenylthio group.

Concerning the above-described substituent, when the number of carbons of substituent is mope than 10, the complex crystal deteriorates its stability, heat resistance and moisture resisting property.

In this complex crystal, it seems that polycyclic aromatic compound is charged with a positive electric charge, and iodine is charged with a negative electric charge. Therefore, when a substituent having an electron donativity is combined with the aromatic ring, it stabilizes a combination of the aromatic ring, and improves heat resistance.

The complex crystal according to the present invention may contain acid ion as one of structural elements. The acid contained in the complex crystal neutralizes basicity of a nitrogen atom contained in the polycyclic aromatic compound to form a neutral salt. The acid includes inorganic acid and organic acid. The inorganic acid, for example, includes hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, or hydroiodic acid. The organic acid, for example, includes sulfonic acid such as benzenesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, or methanesulfonic acid; monocarboxylic acid such as acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valerie acid, trifluoroacetic acid, or benzoic acid; dicarboxylic acid such as oxalic acid, malonio acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, or phthalic acid. The acid ion which is suitable for forming the complex crystal as a light-adjusting component is desirably sulfonic acid ion or dicarboxylic acid ion.

Ionized iodine forms a complex ion by being coordinated with a conjugate system of the polycyclic aromatic compound. The complex crystal according to the present invention has a complex or coordinated structure in which a polycyclic aromatic compound and a chain of I₃ ⁻ form a linear orderly. One surface of the polycyclic aromatic compound is parallel to the other surface. The complex crystal may have a clathlate structure.

The light-adjusting particles are used for a light valve or a light-adjusting glass, and they have light-screening performance and polarizability. The amount of light-screening, or polarizability can be adjusted by applying voltage. The light-adjusting particles according to the present invention have polarization, so they can be oriented by an action of an outer electric field. Furthermore, the light-adjusting particle has an acicular or a planar crystal structure. When the light-adjusting particles are dispersed randomly, they can screen a light. When the light-adjusting particles are oriented, they can transmit a light.

The complex crystal according to the present invention has polarizability by means of periodate contained in the complex crystal. Furthermore, the complex crystal has polarization by means of an interaction between the polycyclic aromatic compound and periodate. Therefore, the complex crystal can be used as light-adjusting particles for a light valve, a light-adjusting glass, a glare-proof mirror, a display component, or a light-polarizing component.

The above-described complex crystal is formed as follows. The afore-mentioned acid is added to the polycyclic aromatic compound to neutralize basicity of a nitrogen atom, thereby obtaining a solution of a neutral salt. A solution containing iodine and an iodate ion formed of a mixture of iodine and potassium iodate are added to the obtained solution of a neutral salt. As a result, the complex crystal is precipitated.

The obtained complex crystal is composed of the anion of triiodine formed from a mixture of iodine and potassium iodate and the cation of ionized fused compound in which proton is added to a nitrogen atom. Therefore, the complex crystal is composed of a stable complex ion in which a charge of the cation of the fused compound is neutralized with the anion of triiodine.

Concerning a fused compound, an acid ion serves for forming the neutral salt in a solution, and iodine coordinates with the fused compound. The iodine can combine one fused compound with the other fused compound to grow linearly the complex crystal. The complex crystal becomes large in an acicular or planar form, so it has a suitable size and form for a light-adjusting component.

The complex crystal has a stable structure because a fused compound contains at least 3 aromatic fused rings. Therefore, the complex crystal exhibits excellent heat resistance, excellent moisture resisting property and excellent solvent resisting property which are suitable for a light-adjusting component.

The complex crystal according to the present invention has a structure in which cation of a fused compound and a chain of anion of triiodine are arranged alternately and orderly. Therefore, the complex crystal has polarizability because of an arrangement of the chain of I₃ ⁻.

As for the complex crystal, an electron placed on a complex unit is likely to move because of an interaction between the acid salt of fused compound and iodate ion. Therefore, the complex crystal exhibits excellent polarization.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of its advantages will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed specification, all of which forms a part of the disclosure:

FIG. 1 shows a light-transmitting spectrum of a suspension of 1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of an evaluation cell for showing a light-transmitting performance.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of an evaluation cell for showing a light-distransmitting performance.

FIG. 4 is an X-ray diffraction chart of the complex crystal obtained in the First Preferred Embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an X-ray diffraction chart of the complex crystal obtained in the Second Preferred Embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an X-ray diffraction chart of the complex crystal obtained in the Third Preferred Embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an X-ray diffraction chart of the complex crystal obtained in the Fourth Preferred Embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an X-ray diffraction chart of the complex crystal obtained in the Fifth Preferred Embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an X-ray diffraction chart of the complex crystal obtained in the Sixth Preferred Embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an X-ray diffraction chart of the complex crystal obtained in the Seventh Preferred Embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an X-ray diffraction chart of the complex crystal obtained in the Eighth Preferred Embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an X-ray diffraction chart of the complex crystal obtained in the Ninth Preferred Embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an X-ray diffraction chart of the complex crystal obtained in the Tenth Preferred Embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an X-ray diffraction chart of the complex crystal obtained in the Eleventh Preferred Embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an X-ray diffraction chart of the complex crystal obtained in the Twelfth Preferred Embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an X-ray diffraction chart of the complex crystal obtained in the Fourteenth Preferred Embodiment.

FIG. 17 shows a light-transmitting spectrum of a suspension of the complex crystal obtained in the Fourteenth Preferred Embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an X-ray diffraction chart of the complex crystal obtained in the Fifteenth Preferred Embodiment.

FIG. 19 shows a light-transmitting spectrum of a suspension of the complex crystal obtained in the Fifteenth Preferred Embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Having generally described the present invention, a further understanding can be obtained by reference to the specific preferred embodiments which are provided herein for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

The Preferred Embodiments according to the present invention will be hereinafter described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 19.

First Preferred Embodiment

A First Preferred Embodiment employed 1,7-phenanthroline to obtain a complex crystal comprising a 1,7-phenanthroline periodate compound as follows.

1.01 g of 1,7-phenanthroline was dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 21 g of water and 0.274 g of concentrated sulfurio acid to prepare a first solution. 0.708 g of iodine and 0.468 g of potassium iodide were dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 14 g of water and 3.5 g of ethanol to prepare a second solution. The first and second solution were mixed and stirred for 1 hour to form a precipitate. The precipitate was filtered, washed, and vacuum dried to obtain 1.16 g of a grayish-blue acicular crystal.

The crystal was identified as a complex crystal comprising a 1,7-phenanthroline periodate compound by means of an X-ray diffraction, an elemental analysis, a Raman spectrum, and an infrared-absorbing method. The complex crystal comprised 7 parts of a polycyclic aromatic compound, 4 parts of HI₃, and 1 part of H₂ SO₄. The melting point of the complex crystal was 160.4° C. according to a DSC measurement.

10 g of ethanol was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was purified by an ultrasonic cleaner for 10 minutes. The ethanol was removed from the complex crystal by a centrifugal separator. Furthermore, 10 g of ditridecyl phthalate was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was treated by the ultrasonic cleaner for 1 hour. The complex crystal was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate to prepare a dispersion liquid. A volatile component such as remaining ethanol was removed from the liquid under a vacuum atmosphere, thereby obtaining a blue dispersed liquid in which the complex crystal comprising the 1,7-phenanthroline periodate compound was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate. The color of the complex crystal never changed when the dispersed liquid was heated at a temperature of 130° C. for 10 hours.

Second Preferred Embodiment

A Second Preferred Embodiment employed 1,10-phenanthroline to obtain a complex crystal comprising a 1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound as follows.

1.01 g of 1,10-phenanthroline was dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 21 g of water and 0.274 g of concentrated sulfurio acid to prepare a first solution. 0.708 g of iodine and 0.468 g of potassium iodide were dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 14 g of water and 3.5 g of ethanol to prepare a second solution. The first and second solution were mixed and stirred for 1 hour to form a precipitate. The precipitate was filtered, washed, and vacuum dried to obtain 1.60 g of a brownish-red columnar crystal.

The crystal was identified as a complex crystal comprising a 1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound by means of an X-ray diffraction, an elemental analysis, a Raman spectrum, and an infrared-absorbing method. The complex crystal comprised 2 parts of a polycyclic aromatic compound, 1 part of HI₃, and 0.08 part of H₂ SO₄. The melting point of the complex crystal was 171.1° C. according to a DSC measurement. log of isopropanol was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was purified by an ultrasonic cleaner for 10 minutes. The brownish-red columnar crystal changed to a blue fibrous crystal by means of the purification. The isopropanol was removed from the complex crystal by a centrifugal separator. Furthermore, 10 g of ditridecyl phthalate was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was treated by the ultrasonic cleaner for 1 hour. The complex crystal was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate to prepare a dispersed liquid. A volatile component such as remaining isopropanol was removed from the liquid under a vacuum atmosphere, thereby obtaining a blue dispersed liquid in which the complex crystal comprising the 1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound was dispersed into ditrideoyl phthalate. The color of the complex crystal never changed when the dispersed liquid was heated at a temperature of 130° C. for 10 hours.

Third Preferred Embodiment

A Third Preferred Embodiment employed 4,7-phenanthroline to obtain a complex crystal comprising a 4,7-phenanthroline periodate compound as follows.

1.01 g of 4,7-phenanthroline was dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 21 g of water and 0.274 g of concentrated sulfuric acid to prepare a first solution. 0.708 g of iodine and 0.468 g of potassium iodide were dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 14 g of water and 3.5 g of ethanol to prepare a second solution. The first and second solution were mixed and stirred for 1 hour to form a precipitate. The precipitate was filtered, washed, and vacuum dried to obtain 1.60 g of a brownish-black fibrous crystal.

The crystal was identified as a complex crystal comprising a 4,7-phenanthroline periodate compound by means of an X-ray diffraction, an elemental analysis, a Raman spectrum, and an infrared-absorbing method. The melting point of the complex crystal was 195.7° C. according to a DSC measurement.

10 g of ethanol was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was purified by an ultrasonic cleaner for 10 minutes. The ethanol was removed from the complex crystal by a centrifugal separator. Furthermore, log of ditridecyl phthalate was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was treated by the ultrasonic cleaner for 1 hour. The complex crystal was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate to prepare a dispersed liquid. A volatile component such as remaining ethanol was removed from the liquid under a vacuum atmosphere, thereby obtaining a brownish-black dispersed liquid in which the complex crystal comprising the 1,7-phenanthroline periodate compound was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate.

The color of the complex crystal never changed when the dispersed liquid was heated at a temperature of 130° C. for 10 hours.

Fourth Preferred Embodiment

A Fourth Preferred Embodiment employed acridine to obtain a complex crystal comprising an acridine periodate compound as follows.

1.0 g of acridine was dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 21 g of water, 21 g of ethanol, and 0.274 g of concentrated sulfuric acid to prepare a first solution. 0.708 g of iodine and 0.468 g of potassium iodide were dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 14 g of water and 3.5 g of ethanol to prepare a second solution. The first and second solution were mixed and stirred for 1 hour to form a precipitate. The precipitate was filtered, washed, and vacuum dried to obtain 2.02 g of a greenish-blue fibrous crystal.

The complex crystal was identified as a complex crystal comprising an acridine periodate compound by means of an X-ray diffraction, an elemental analysis, a Raman spectrum, and an infrared-absorbing method. The complex crystal comprised 4 parts of a polycyclic aromatic compound, 2 parts of HI₃, and 1 part of H₂ SO₄. The melting point of the complex crystal was 204.8° C. according to a DSC measurement.

10 g of ethanol was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was purified by an ultrasonic cleaner for 10 minutes. The ethanol was removed from the complex crystal by a centrifugal separator. Furthermore, 10 g of ditridecyl phthalate was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was treated by the ultrasonic cleaner for 1 hour. The complex crystal was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate to prepare a dispersed liquid. A volatile component such as remaining ethanol was removed from the liquid under a vacuum atmosphere, thereby obtaining a greenish-blue dispersed liquid in which the complex crystal comprising the acridine periodate compound was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate. The color of the complex crystal never changed when the dispersed liquid was heated at a temperature of 130° C. for 10 hours.

Fifth Preferred Embodiment

A Fifth Preferred Embodiment employed phenanthridine to obtain a complex crystal comprising a phenanthridine periodate compound as follows. 1.01 g of phenanthridine was dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 21 g of water and 0.274 g of concentrated sulfuric acid to prepare a first solution. 0.708 g of iodine and 0.468 g of potassium iodide were dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 14 g of water and 3.5 g of ethanol to prepare a second solution. The first and second solution were mixed and stirred for 1 hour to form a precipitate. The precipitate was filtered, washed, and vacuum dried to obtain 1.22 g of a brownish-black planar crystal.

The crystal was identified as a complex crystal comprising a phenanthridine periodate compound by means of an X-ray diffraction, an elemental analysis, a Raman spectrum, and an infrared-absorbing method. The melting point of the complex crystal was 185.1° C. according to a DSC measurement.

10 g of ethanol was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was purified by an ultrasonic cleaner for 10 minutes. The ethanol was removed from the complex crystal by a centrifugal separator. Furthermore, 10 g of ditridecyl phthalate was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was treated by the ultrasonic cleaner for 1 hour. The complex crystal was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate to prepare a dispersed liquid. A volatile component such as remaining ethanol was removed from the liquid under a vacuum atmosphere, thereby obtaining a dark-brown dispersed liquid in which the complex crystal comprising the phenanthridine periodate compound was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate. The color of the complex crystal never changed when the dispersed liquid was heated at a temperature of 130° C. for 10 hours.

Sixth Preferred Embodiment

A Sixth Preferred Embodiment employed 4-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline to obtain a complex crystal comprising a 4-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound as follows.

1.08 g of 4-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline was dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 21 g of water and 0.274 g of concentrated sulfuric acid to prepare a first solution. 0.708 g of iodine and 0.468 g of potassium iodide were dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 14 g of water and 3.5 g of ethanol to prepare a second solution. The first and second solution were mixed and stirred for 1 hour to form a precipitate. The precipitate was filtered, washed, and vacuum dried to obtain 1.78 g of a brownish-black granular crystal.

The crystal was identified as a complex crystal comprising a 4-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound by means of an X-ray diffraction, an elemental analysis, a Raman spectrum, and an infrared-absorbing method. The melting point of the complex crystal was 215.2° C. according to a DSC measurement.

10 g of ethanol was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was purified by an ultrasonic cleaner for 10 minutes. The ethanol was removed from the complex crystal by a centrifugal separator. Furthermore, 10 g of ditrideoyl phthalate was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was treated by the ultrasonic cleaner for 1 hour. The complex crystal was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate to prepare a dispersed liquid. A volatile component such as remaining ethanol was removed from the liquid under a vacuum atmosphere, thereby obtaining a brownish-black dispersed liquid in which the complex crystal comprising the 4-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate. The color of the complex crystal never changed when the dispersed liquid was heated at a temperature of 130° C. for 10 hours.

Seventh Preferred Embodiment

A Seventh Preferred Embodiment employed 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline to obtain a complex crystal comprising a 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound as follows.

1.08 g of 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline was dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 21 g of water and 0.274 g of concentrated sulfuric acid to prepare a first solution. 0.708 g of iodine and 0.468 g of potassium iodide were dissolved into s mixed solution comprising 14 g of water and 3.5 g of ethanol to prepare a second solution. The first and second solution were mixed and stirred for 1 hour to form a precipitate. The precipitate was filtered, washed, and vacuum dried to obtain 2.03 g of a dark-green acicular crystal.

The crystal was identified as a complex crystal comprising a 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound by means of an X-ray diffraction, an elemental analysis, a Raman spectrum, and an infrared-absorbing method. The melting point of the complex crystal was 223.2° C. according to a DSC measurement.

10 g of ethanol was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was purified by an ultrasonic cleaner for 10 minutes. The ethanol was removed from the complex crystal by a centrifugal separator. Furthermore, 10 g of ditridecyl phthalate was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was treated by the ultrasonic cleaner for 1 hour. The complex crystal was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate to prepare a dispersed liquid. A volatile component such as remaining ethanol was removed from the liquid under a vacuum atmosphere, thereby obtaining a dark-green dispersed liquid in which the complex crystal comprising the 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate. The color of the complex crystal never changed when the dispersed liquid was heated at a temperature of 130° C. for 10 hours.

Eighth Preferred Embodiment

An Eighth Preferred Embodiment employed 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline to obtain a complex crystal comprising a 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound as follows.

1.16 g of 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline was dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 21 g of water and 0.274 g of concentrated sulfuric acid to prepare a first solution. 0.708 g of iodine and 0.468 g of potassium iodide were dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 14 g of water and 3.5 g of ethanol to prepare a second solution. The first and second solution were mixed and stirred for 1 hour to form a precipitate. The precipitate was filtered, washed, and vacuum dried to obtain 1.65 g of a brown granular crystal.

The crystal was identified as a complex crystal comprising a 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound by means of an X-ray diffraction, an elemental analysis, a Raman spectrum, and an infrared-absorbing method. The melting point of the complex crystal was 153.8° C. according to a DSC measurement.

10 g of ethanol was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was purified by an ultrasonic cleaner for 10 minutes. The ethanol was removed from the complex crystal by a centrifugal separator. Furthermore, 10 g of ditridecyl phthalate was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was treated by the ultrasonic cleaner for 1 hour. The complex crystal was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate to prepare a dispersed liquid. A volatile component such as remaining ethanol was removed from the liquid under a vacuum atmosphere, thereby obtaining a brown dispersed liquid in which the complex crystal comprising the 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate. The color of the complex crystal never changed when the dispersed liquid was heated at a temperature of 130° C. for 10 hours.

Ninth Preferred Embodiment

A Ninth Preferred Embodiment employed 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline to obtain a complex crystal comprising a 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound as follows.

1.16 g of 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline was dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 21 g of water and 0.274 g of concentrated sulfuric acid to prepare a first solution. 0.708 g of iodine and 0.468 g of potassium iodide were dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 14 g of water and 3.5 g of ethanol to prepare a second solution. The first and second solution were mixed and stirred for 1 hour to form a precipitate. The precipitate was filtered, washed, and vacuum dried to obtain 1.94 g of a greenish-blue strip crystal.

The crystal was identified as a complex crystal comprising a 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound by means of an X-ray diffraction, an elemental analysis, a Raman spectrum, and an infrared-absorbing method. The melting point of the complex crystal was 144.5° C. according to a DSC measurement.

10 g of ethanol was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was purified by an ultrasonic cleaner for 10 minutes. The ethanol was removed from the complex crystal by a centrifugal separator. Furthermore, 10 g of ditridecyl phthalate was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was treated by the ultrasonic cleaner for 1 hour. The complex crystal was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate to prepare a dispersed liquid. A volatile component such as remaining ethanol was removed from the liquid under a vacuum atmosphere, thereby obtaining a greenish-blue dispersed liquid in which the complex crystal comprising the 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate. The color of the complex crystal never changed when the dispersed liquid was heated at a temperature of 130° C. for 10 hours.

Tenth Preferred Embodiment

A Tenth Preferred Embodiment employed 5,6-dimethyl-1,10phenanthroline to obtain a complex crystal comprising a 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound as follows.

1.16 g of 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline was dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 21 g of water and 0.274 g of concentrated sulfuric acid to prepare a first solution. 0.708 g of iodine and 0.468 g of potassium iodide were dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 14 g of water and 3.5 g of ethanol to prepare a second solution. The first and second solution were mixed and stirred for 1 hour to Form a precipitate. The precipitate was filtered, washed, and vacuum dried to obtain 1.94 g of a red acicular crystal.

The crystal was identified as a complex crystal comprising a 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound by means of an X-ray diffraction, an elemental analysis, a Raman spectrum, and an infrared-absorbing method. The melting point of the complex crystal was 206.9° C. according to a DSC measurement.

10 g of ethanol was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was purified by an ultrasonic cleaner for 10 minutes. The ethanol was removed from the complex crystal by a centrifugal separator. Furthermore, 10 g of ditridecyl phthalate was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was treated by the ultrasonic cleaner for 1 hour. The complex crystal was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate to prepare a dispersed liquid. A volatile component such as remaining ethanol was removed from the liquid under a vacuum atmosphere, thereby obtaining a red dispersed liquid in which the complex crystal comprising the 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate. The color of the complex crystal never changed when the dispersed liquid was heated at a temperature of 130° C. for 10 hours.

Eleventh Preferred Embodiment

An Eleventh Preferred Embodiment employed 5-methoxy-1,10-phenanthroline to obtain a complex crystal comprising a 5-methoxy-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound as follows.

1.27 g of 5-methoxy-1,10-phenanthroline was dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 21 g of water and 0.138 g of concentrated sulfuric acid to prepare a first solution. 0.708 g of iodine and 0.468 g of potassium iodide were dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 14 g of water and 3.5 g of ethanol to prepare a second solution. The first and second solution were mixed and stirred for 1 hour to form a precipitate. The precipitate was filtered, washed, and vacuum dried to obtain 2.13 g of a dark-green fibrous crystal.

The complex crystal was identified as a complex crystal comprising a 5-methoxy-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound by means of an X-ray diffraction, an elemental analysis, a Raman spectrum, and an infrared-absorbing method. The melting point of the complex crystal was 229.5° C. according to a DSC measurement.

10 g of ethanol was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was purified by an ultrasonic cleaner for 10 minutes. The ethanol was removed from the complex crystal by a centrifugal separator. Furthermore, 10 g of ditridecyl phthalate was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was treated by the ultrasonic cleaner for 1 hour. The complex crystal was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate to prepare a dispersed liquid. A volatile component such as remaining ethanol was removed from the liquid under a vacuum atmosphere, thereby obtaining a blue dispersed liquid in which the complex crystal comprising the 5-methoxy-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate. The color of the complex crystal never changed when the dispersed liquid was heated at a temperature of 130 ° C. for 10 hours.

Twelfth Preferred Embodiment

A Twelfth Preferred Embodiment employed 5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline to obtain a complex crystal comprising a 5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound as follows.

1.0 g of 5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline was dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 50 g of water, 10 g of ethanol and 0.126 g of concentrated sulfurio acid to prepare a first solution. 0.649 g of iodine and 0.425 g of potassium iodide were dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 12.8 g of water and 3.26 g of ethanol to prepare a second solution. The first and second solution were mixed and stirred for 1 hour to form a precipitate. The precipitate was filtered, washed, and vacuum dried to obtain 1.72 g of a dark blue acicular crystal.

The crystal was identified as a complex crystal comprising a 5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound by means of an X-ray diffraction, an elemental analysis, a Raman spectrum, and an infrared-absorbing method. The melting point of the complex crystal was 176.0° C. according to a DSC measurement.

10 g of ethanol was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was purified by an ultrasonic cleaner for 10 minutes. The ethanol was removed from the complex crystal by a centrifugal separator. Furthermore, 10 g of ditridecyl phthalate was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was treated by the ultrasonic cleaner for 1 hour. The complex crystal was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate to prepare a dispersed liquid. A volatile component such as remaining ethanol was removed from the liquid under a vacuum atmosphere, thereby obtaining a blue dispersed liquid in which the complex crystal comprising the 5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate. The color of the complex crystal never changed when the dispersed liquid was heated at a temperature of 130° C. for 10 hours.

Thirteenth Preferred Embodiment

A Thirteenth Preferred Embodiment employed acridine to obtain a complex crystal comprising an acridine periodate compound as follows. 1.0 g of acridine was dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 21 g of water, 21 g of ethanol, and 2.79 mmol of one of organic acids shown in Table 1 to prepare a first solution. 0.708 g of iodine and 0.468 g of potassium iodide were dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 14 g of water and 3.5 g of ethanol to prepare a second solution. The first and second solution were mixed and stirred for 1 hour to form a precipitate. The precipitate was filtered, washed, and vacuum dried to obtain a complex crystal comprising an acridine periodate compound.

Other complex crystals comprising an acridine periodate compound are obtained by using each organic acids shown in Table 4. Table 5 shows the added amount, the yield, the color, and the shape of these complex crystals.

10 g of isopropanol was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was purified by an ultrasonic cleaner for 10 minutes. The isopropanol was removed from the complex crystal by a centrifugal separator. Furthermore, 10 g of ditridecyl phthalate was added to 0.2 g of the complex crystal, and the mixture was treated by the ultrasonic cleaner for 1 hour. The complex crystal was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate to prepare a dispersed liquid. A volatile component such as remaining isopropanol was removed from the liquid under a vacuum atmosphere, thereby obtaining a brownish-black dispersed liquid in which the complex crystal comprising the acridine periodate compound was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate. The color of the complex crystal never changed when the dispersed liquid was heated at a temperature of 130° C. for 10 hours.

Fourteenth Preferred Embodiment

A Fourteenth Preferred Embodiment employed pyrazino (2,3-f)phenanthroline to obtain a complex crystal comprising a pyrazino(2,3-f)phenanthroline periodate compound as follows.

25 g of 1,10-phenanthroline-hydrate was dissolved into 125 ml of 20% fuming sulfuric acid. The sulfuric acid was heated at the temperature of 110° to 125° C., and 33 ml of 72% concentrated nitric acid was added into the sulfuric acid. While the mixed solution was current-circulated at the temperature of 143° C. for 30 minutes, 66 ml of 72% concentrated nitric acid was added into the mixed solution. Then, the mixed solution was stirred for 1.5 hours to promote its reaction. After the reaction, the mixed solution was cooled to the room temperature, and it was poured into an ice. The ice-containing solution was neutralized by adding 30% sodium hydroxide solution. A precipitated by-product, 5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline was filtered and removed from the neutralized solution. The filtered solution was extracted by chloroform, and the extracted chloroform solution was dried by sodium sulfate anhydride. Furthermore, the dried solution was vacuum-concentrated to obtain a yellow rough crystal of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione. The rough crystal was purified by recrystallization of ethanol.

2 g of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione was dissolved into 300 g of ethanol to prepare a solution. 1.12 ml of ethylene diamine was dissolved into ethanol to prepare a solution. The latter solution was added into the former solution, and the mixed solution was heated and current-circulated for 5 minutes. Then, the mixed solution was vacuum-concentrated to precipitate a rough crystal. The precipitated rough crystal was purified by a column chromatography method of alumina. The melting point of the obtained compound was 258° C.

8.9 g of water and 0.05 g of concentrated sulfuric acid were added into 2.2 mmol of pyrazino(2,3-f)phenanthroline. And, ethanol was also added until pyrazino(2,3-f)phenanthroline was dissolved to prepare a solution (A). 0.24 g of iodine and 0.15 g of potassium iodide were dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 4.71 g of water and 1.20 g of ethanol to prepare a solution (B). The solution (B) was added into the solution (A), and the mixed solution was stirred for 1 hour. After that, a precipitated crystal in the mixed solution was filtered and vacuum-dried to obtain a dark-green fibrous crystal. The darkgreen fibrous crystal was identified as a complex crystal comprising pyrazino(2,3-f)phenanthroline periodate compound by means of an X-ray diffraction, an elemental analysis, a Raman spectrum and an infrared-absorbing method. The complex crystal showed strong polarization, and the melting point of the complex crystal was 288.3° C. according to a DSC measurement. Table 7 showed the melting point of pyrazino(2,3-f)phenanthroline as the condensed polycyclic compound and pyrazino(2,3-f)phenanthroline periodate compound according to the DSC measurement. FIG. 16 showed a X-ray diffraction chart of pyrazino(2,3-f)phenanthroline periodate compound.

0.1 g of pyrazino(2,3-f)phenanthroline periodate compound was dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 60 g of acetone and 94 g of ethanol, and 10 g of DTDP (ditridecyl phthalate) was also added. The mixed solution was vacuum-concentrated to remove acetone and ethanol, and vacuum-dried. Then, the dried substance was treated by the ultrasonic cleaner for 10 hours to refine a dispersed crystal. After that, the dispersed crystal was vacuum-dried for one night, and centrifugally separated to obtain a purplish blue dispersed medium in which a complex crystal was dispersed. FIG. 17 is a graph for showing a light-transmitting spectrum of the dispersed medium. In this graph, an axis of ordinate represented light transmissivity, and an axis of abscissa represented wave lengths. When an applied voltage on an electric field was 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 or 100 V (60 Hz), the light-transmitting spectrum for each case was shown in the graph. When no voltage was applied on the electric field, the light transmissivity was low, which was shown as the lowest line. When the applied voltage becomes high, the light transmissivity in a visible radiation field becomes large. Therefore, the above complex crystal was suitable for use as light-adjusting particles.

Table 8 showed the amount of solvent for producing the dispersed medium. As shown from Table 8, when the number of rings of the polycyclic aromatic compound increases, much amounts of solvent is required. As compared with a complex crystal of a tricyclic compound in the Eleventh Preferred Embodiment, the complex crystal required much amounts of solvent. Therefore, even if some amounts of solvent remained in the dispersed solution, the solvent had no influence on the complex crystal.

Fifteenth Preferred Embodiment

A Fifteenth Preferred Embodiment employed dipyrido(3,2-a:2',3'-c)phenazine to obtain a complex crystal comprising a dipyrido(3,2-a:2',3'-c)phenazine periodate compound as follows.

1.0 g of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione in the Fourteen Preferred Embodiment was dissolved into 200 g of ethanol to prepare a solution. 1.0 g of o-phenylene diamine was dissolved into 100 ml of ethanol to prepare a solution. The latter solution was added into the former solution, and the mixed solution was current-circulated for 5 minutes. Then, the mixed solution was vacuum-concentrated to precipitate a crystal. The precipitated crystal was recrystallized by water-ethanol to obtain dipyrido(3,2-a:2',3'-c)phenazine. The melting point of dipyrido(3,2-a:2',3'-c)phenazine as the condensed polycyclic compound was 257° C. according to the DSC measurement.

8.9 g of water and 0.05 g of concentrated sulfuric acid were added into 2.2 mmol of dipyrido(3,2-a:2',3'-c)phenazine. And, ethanol was also added until dipyrido(3,2-a:2',3'-c)phenazine was dissolved to prepare a solution (A). 0.24 g of iodine and 0.15 g of potassium iodide were dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 4.71 g of water and 1.20 g of ethanol to prepare a solution (B). The solution (B) was added into the solution (A), and the mixed solution was stirred for 1 hour. After that, a precipitated crystal in the mixed solution was filtered and vacuum-dried to obtain a dark-green acicular crystal. The dark-green acicular crystal was identified as a complex crystal comprising dipyrido(3,2-a:2',3'-c) phenazine periodate compound by means of an X-ray diffraction, an elemental analysis, a Raman spectrum and an infrared-absorbing method. The complex crystal showed strong polarization, and the melting point of the complex crystal was 296.6° C. according to a DSC measurement. Table 7 showed the melting point of dipyrido(3,2-a:2',3'-c)phenazine as the condensed polycyclic compound and dipyrido(3,2-a:2',3'-c)phenazine periodate compound according to the DSC measurement. FIG. 18 showed a X-ray diffraction chart of dipyrido(3,2-a:2',3'-c)phenazine periodate compound.

0.1 g of dipyrido(3,2-a:2',3'-c)phenazine periodate compound was dissolved into a mixed solution comprising 75 g of acetone and 119 g of ethanol, and 10 g of DTDP (ditridecyl phthalate) was also added. The mixed solution was vacuum-concentrated to remove acetone and ethanol, and vacuum-dried. Then, the dried substance was treated by the ultrasonic cleaner for 10 hours to refine a dispersed crystal. After that, the dispersed crystal was vacuum-dried for one night, and centrifugally separated to obtain a purple dispersed medium in which a complex crystal was dispersed. FIG. 19 is a graph for showing a light-transmitting spectrum of the dispersed medium. In this graph, which was similar to that of FIG. 17, when an applied voltage on an electric field was 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 or 100 V (60 Hz), the light-transmitting spectrum for each case was shown. When the applied voltage becomes high, the light transmissivity in a visible radiation field becomes large. Therefore, the above complex crystal was suitable for use as light-adjusting particles.

Table 8 showed the amount of solvent for producing the dispersed medium. As shown from Table 8, when the number of rings of the polycyclic aromatic compound increases, much amounts of solvent is required. As compared with a complex crystal in the Eleventh Preferred Embodiment, the complex crystal required more amounts of solvent. Therefore, even if some amounts of solvent remained in the dispersed solution, the solvent had no influence on the complex crystal.

Comparative Example

A Comparative Example employed dihydrocinchonidine comprising three nitrogen atoms and two aromatic compounds to obtain a complex crystal comprising a dihydrocinchonidine periodate compound according to the method disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 144893/1978.

As described in the Preferred Embodiments, the obtained complex crystal was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate to prepare a dispersed liquid, and the liquid was heated at a temperature of 130° C. for 10 hours. As a result, the color of the complex crystal changed at a temperature below 85° C., and it never restored at a room temperature.

Concerning each complex crystal according to the Preferred Embodiments, the color of the complex crystal never changed when the dispersed liquid in which the complex crystal was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate was heated at a temperature of 130° C. for 10 hours. Therefore, each complex crystal according to the Preferred Embodiments was stable, and it showed excellent heat resistance. However, the color of the dihydrocinchonidine periodate compound according to the Comparative Example changed at a temperature below 85° C. Therefore, the dihydrocinchonidine periodate compound exhibited poor heat resistance.

As for each dispersed medium according to the Preferred Embodiments, 1 g of the dispersed medium was dripped into 10 g of water, and stirred for 1 hour. The color of the complex crystal which was dispersed never changed when the dispersed medium was mixed with water. Therefore, each complex crystal according to the Preferred Embodiments was stable, and it showed excellent moisture resisting property. On the contrary, the color of the dihydrocinchonidine periodate compound according to the Comparative Example changed to achromatic in a few minutes when the dispersed medium in which the complex crystal comprising the dihydrocinchonidine periodate compound was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate was dripped into water. Therefore, the dihydrocinchonidine periodate compound exhibited poor moisture resisting property.

Concerning the Preferred Embodiments 1 to 12, Tables 1 to 3 show the structural formula of the polycyclic aromatic compounds; the color, the shape, and the melting point of the complex crystals; the color of the dispersed liquid; heat resistance and moisture resisting property. As for the Preferred Embodiment 13, Table 4 shows organic acids, and Table 5 shows the added amount, the yield, the color, and the shape of the complex crystals.

Table 6 shows the composition of elements of the complex crystals and the composition ratio of the complex crystals (polycyclic aromatic compound: HI₃ :H₂ SO₄) obtained in the Preferred Embodiments 1,2,4,6,7, and 11. Furthermore, FIGS. 4 to 15 show the X-ray diffraction charts of the complex crystals obtained in the Preferred Embodiments 1 to 12.

                                      TABLE 1                                      __________________________________________________________________________         polycyclic      complex                                                                              melting point                                                                          dispersed                                                                             heat  water                           No. aromatic compound                                                                              crystal                                                                              (°C.)                                                                           solution                                                                              resistance                                                                           resistance                      __________________________________________________________________________          ##STR2##       grayish blue                                                                         160.4   blue   ◯                                                                        ◯                       1,7-            acicular                                                       phenanthroline                                                             2                                                                                   ##STR3##       brownish red                                                                         171.1   blue   ◯                                                                        ◯                       1,10-           columnar                                                       phenanthroline                                                             3                                                                                   ##STR4##       brownish black                                                                       195.7   brownish black                                                                        ◯                                                                        ◯                       4,7-            fibrous                                                        phenanthroline                                                             4                                                                                   ##STR5##       greenish blue                                                                        204.8   greenish blue                                                                         ◯                                                                        ◯                       acridine        fibrous                                                    5                                                                                   ##STR6##       brownish black                                                                       185.1   dark brown                                                                            ◯                                                                        ◯                       phenanthridine  planar                                                     __________________________________________________________________________

                                      TABLE 2                                      __________________________________________________________________________         polycyclic       complex                                                                              melting point                                                                          dispersed                                                                             heat  water                          No. aromatic compound                                                                               crystal                                                                              (°C.)                                                                           solution                                                                              resistance                                                                           resistance                     __________________________________________________________________________          ##STR7##        brownish black                                                                       215.2   brownish black                                                                        ◯                                                                        ◯                      4-methyl-1,10-   granular                                                      phenanthroline                                                             7                                                                                   ##STR8##        dark green                                                                           223.2   dark green                                                                            ◯                                                                        ◯                      5-methyl-1,10-   acicular                                                      phenanthroline                                                             8                                                                                   ##STR9##        brown 153.8   brown  ◯                                                                        ◯                      2,9              granular                                                      dimethyl-1,10-                                                                 phenanthroline                                                             9                                                                                   ##STR10##       greenish blue                                                                        144.5   greenish blue                                                                         ◯                                                                        ◯                      4,7-             strip                                                         dimethyl-1,10-                                                                 phenanthroline                                                             __________________________________________________________________________

                                      TABLE 3                                      __________________________________________________________________________         polycyclic    complex                                                                              melting point                                                                          dispersed                                                                            heat  water                              No. aromatic compound                                                                            crystal                                                                              (°C.)                                                                           solution                                                                             resistance                                                                           resistance                         __________________________________________________________________________     10                                                                                  ##STR11##    red   206.9   red   ◯                                                                        ◯                          5,6-          acicular                                                         dimethyl-1,10-                                                                 phenanthroline                                                             11                                                                                  ##STR12##    dark green                                                                           229.5   blue  ◯                                                                        ◯                          5-            fibrous                                                          methoxy-1,10-                                                                  phenanthroline                                                             12                                                                                  ##STR13##    dark blue                                                                            176.0   blue  ◯                                                                        ◯                          5-amino-1,10- acicular                                                         phenanthroline                                                             __________________________________________________________________________

                  TABLE 4                                                          ______________________________________                                         organic acids        organic acids                                             ______________________________________                                         a b  CF.sub.3 COOH Trifluoroacetic acid HOOCCOOH Oxalic                                              gcid                                                                                   ##STR14##                                                                     Maleic acid                                             ##STR15##       h                                                                                      ##STR16##                                             Malonic acid            Fumaric acid                                      d                                                                                    ##STR17##       i                                                                                      ##STR18##                                             Succinic acid           Citraconic acid                                   e                                                                                    ##STR19##       j                                                                                      ##STR20##                                             L-tartaric acid         Mesaconic acid                                    f                                                                                    ##STR21##       k                                                                                      ##STR22##                                             Dibenzoyl-L-tartaric acid                                                                              Itaconic acid                                     ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 5                                                          ______________________________________                                         organic                                                                              added     yield                                                          acids amount (g)                                                                               (g)    color     shape                                         ______________________________________                                         a     0.318     1.42   brownish green                                                                           acicular + granular                           b     0.126     1.69   dark green                                                                               acicular                                      c     0.145     1.18   dark green                                                                               acicular                                                                       partly fibrous                                d     0.165     1.36   dark green                                                                               acicular                                      e     0.210     2.11   dark green                                                                               acicular                                      f     0.500     1.52   dark green                                                                               acicular                                      g     0.162     3.67   dark green                                                                               acicular + fibrous                            h     0.162     2.16   dark green                                                                               short acicular                                i     0.182     1.84   greenish blue                                                                            acicular                                      j     0.182     2.98   dark green                                                                               granular                                      k     0.182     1.82   dark green                                                                               acicular                                      ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 6                                                          ______________________________________                                                                      composition ra-                                                                tio of complex                                                                 crystals (poly-                                          composition of elements                                                                              cyclic aromatic                                   No. of of complex crystals (wt %)                                                                           compound:                                         Embod. C      H      N    O    S    I    HI.sub.3 :H.sub.2 SO.sub.4)           ______________________________________                                         1      34.96  2.06   6.67 2.78 1.03 52.50                                                                               7:4:1                                 2      38.85  2.24   7.41 0.76 0.28 50.46                                                                               2:1:0.08                              4      38.17  2.47   3.28 5.00 1.93 49.15                                                                               4:2:1                                 6      38.69  2.60   6.92 0.96 0.17 50.66                                                                               2:1:0.04                              7      41.03  2.74   7.37 0.82 0.19 47.85                                                                               2:1:0.05                              11     41.37  2.77   7.36 4.89 0.17 43.44                                                                               7:3:0.05                              ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 7                                                          ______________________________________                                         Number of                                                                              Temperature for  Temperature for                                       Embod-  Decomposition    Decomposition                                         iment   of Condensed Compound                                                                           of Periodate Compound                                 ______________________________________                                         14      258° C.   288.3° C.                                      15      257° C.   296.6° C.                                      11      105° C.   229.5° C.                                      ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 8                                                          ______________________________________                                         Number of                                                                               Ethanol (g) per 0.1 g of                                                                       Acetone (g) per 0.1 g of                              Embodiment                                                                              Periodate Compound                                                                             Periodate Compound                                    ______________________________________                                         14       94              60                                                    15       119             75                                                    11       17              10                                                    ______________________________________                                    

The dispersed liquid obtained in the Second Preferred Embodiment in which the complex crystal comprising the 1,10-phenanthroline periodate compound was dispersed into ditridecyl phthalate was sealed in a cell to evaluate polarizability.

The evaluation cell included a pair of glass substrates 2 (made of soda-lime glass having a thickness of 1.1 mm) which were disposed parallelly and opposedly each other, a pair of ITO (indium-tin oxide) transparent electrodes 3 which were formed respectively on opposing surfaces of the pair of glass substrates 2 in a thickness of 1500 A, and an epoxy adhesive 4 which sealed circumferential portions of the pair of glass substrates 2. A dispersion medium 5 and the present light-adjusting particles of a complex crystal 1 were filled into a 100-micrometer-thickness cell gap which was surrounded by the pair of glass substrates 2 and the epoxy adhesive 4.

The above-described dispersed medium according to the Second Preferred Embodiment was sealed into the evaluation cell. As shown in FIG. 2, when an electric field was applied on the dispersed medium, the light-adjusting particle 1 was oriented in a vertical direction against the glass substrates 2. Therefore, a light was transmitted through the evaluation cell, and light transparencies improved. On the contrary, as shown in FIG. 3, when the electric field was not applied on the dispersed medium, the light-adjusting particle 1 was randomized and an irregular reflection of a light occurred. Therefore, a light was hardly transmitted through the evaluation cell, and light transmissivity deteriorated.

As shown in FIG. 1, the relationships between light transmissivity and wave lengths was represented as a spectrum in a line graph. An axis of ordinate represented light transmissivity, and an axis of abscissa represented wave lengths. FIG. 1 showed three spectra: one was a spectrum when an electric field was applied (ON), another was a spectrum when an electric field was not applied (OFF), the other was a difference spectra between one spectra and another spectra. When an electric field (100 V, 1 kHz) was applied, the value of light transmissivity showed about 50% in the range of 450 to 800 nm. When the electric field was not applied, the value of light transmissivity showed about 5%. When the applied voltage was varied in the range of 30 to 100 V, the value of light transmissivity was not changed. Therefore, the value of the difference spectra showed about 50% when the applied voltage was in the range of 30 to 100 V. Thus, the complex crystal according to the second Preferred Embodiment showed a big difference spectrum, so it was suitable for use as light-adjusting particles for a light-polarizing glass.

The present invention discloses a complex crystal of polycyclic aromatic periodate compound which is formed by using a fused compound consisting essentially of at least one nitrogen atom and a polycyclic aromatic compound in which at least 3 rings are condensed. Since the complex crystal contains the fused compound, a long conjugate system is formed, and the complex crystal has polarization. The complex crystal also has polarizability by means of a molecular chain of iodine. Furthermore, since the fused compound has a facial structure, it stabilizes a structure of the complex crystal, and the complex crystal improves its heat stability. The fused compound in which at least 3 rings are condensed is less dissolved into the solvent having low polarizability because it has a large facial structure and because the number of nitrogen atom increases. Then, the fused compound protects iodine from an attack of a molecule of water and solvent to obtain the complex crystal having excellent moisture resisting property and excellent solvent resisting property. Moreover, the complex crystal exhibits excellent heat resistance since a substituent having an electron donativity is combined with the aromatic ring, and it stabilizes the aromatic ring.

The crystal according to the present invention is acicular or planar. As above-described, it also has polarization, so it is possible to control an orientation of particles of the complex crystal by means of an electric field. Therefore, the complex crystal of the present invention is suitable for use as light-adjusting particles. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A complex crystal consisting essentially of the anion of triiodine; the cation of a phenanthroline selected from the group consisting of 1,7-phenanthroline, 1,10-phenanthroline, 4,7-phenanthroline, 4-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 5-methoxy-1,10-phenanthroline, and 5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline, and having a basic property; and the anion of a Bronsted acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric, hydrochloric, phosphoric, hydroiodic, sulfonic, monocarboxylic, and dicarboxylic acids, wherein the phenanthroline cation and the Bronsted acid anion form a neutral salt, so that an electron placed on the complex crystal is likely to move because of an interaction between the salt and the triiodine anion.
 2. A complex crystal according to claim 1, wherein said Bronsted acid is sulfuric acid.
 3. A complex crystal according to claim 1, wherein said Bronsted acid is at least one selected from the group consisting of trifluoroacetic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, L-tartaric acid, dibenzoyl-L-tartaric acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, citraconic acid, mesaconic acid, and itaconic acid.
 4. A complex crystal according to claim 1, wherein said Bronsted acid is at least one selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, hydriodic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, benzoic acid, malonic acid and phthalic acid.
 5. A complex crystal according to claim 1, wherein the melting point of said complex crystal is in the range of 140° to 230° C.
 6. A complex crystal according to claim 1, wherein the color of said complex crystal shows no change when the dispersed liquid of said complex is heated at a temperature of 130° C. for 10 hours.
 7. A complex crystal according to claim 1, wherein the color of said complex crystal shows no change when said complex crystal is mixed with water.
 8. The complex crystal according to claim 1, wherein said complex crystal is composed of, a 1,7-phenanthroline compound which consists essentially of the cation of 1,7-phenanthroline, the anion of sulfuric acid and the anion of triiodine, and the molar ratio of said 1,7-phenanthroline, said triiodine and said sulfuric acid is 7:4:1.
 9. A complex crystal according to claim 1, wherein said complex crystal is composed of a 1,10-phenanthroline compound which consists essentially of the cation of 1,10-phenenthroline, the anion of sulfuric acid and the anion of triiodine, and the molar ratio of said 1,10-phenanthroline and said triiodine is 2:1.
 10. The complex crystal according to claim 1, wherein said complex crystal is composed of a 4,7-phenanthroline compound.
 11. The complex crystal according to claim 1, wherein said complex crystal is composed of a 4-methyl-1,10 phenanthroline compound which consists essentially of the cation of 4-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline, the anion of sulfuric acid and the anion of triiodine, and the molar ratio of said 4-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline and said triiodine is 2:1.
 12. A complex crystal according to claim 1, wherein said complex crystal is composed of a 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline compound which consists essentially of the cation of 5-methyl-1,10-phenenthroline, the anion of sulfuric acid and the anion of triiodine, and the molar ratio of said 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline and said triiodine is 2:1.
 13. The complex crystal according to claim 1, wherein said crystal is composed of a 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline compound.
 14. The complex crystal according to claim 1, wherein said crystal is composed of a 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline compound.
 15. The complex crystal according to claim 1, wherein said crystal is composed of a 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline compound.
 16. A complex crystal according to claim 1, wherein said complex crystal is composed of a 5-methoxy-1,10-phenanthroline compound which consists essentially of the cation of 5-methoxy-1,10-phenenthroline, the anion of sulfuric acid and the anion of triiodine, and the molar ratio of said 5-methoxy-1,10-phenanthroline and said triiodine is 7:3.
 17. A complex crystal according to claim 1, wherein said complex crystal is composed of a 5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline compound which consists essentially a cation of 5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline, an anion of sulfuric acid, and an anion of triiodine.
 18. A complex crystal consisting of anions of triiodine arranged linearly; cations of a phenanthroline selected from the group consisting of 1,7-phenanthroline, 1,10-phenanthroline, 4,7-phenanthroline, 4-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 5-methoxy-1,10-phenanthroline, and 5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline, and having a basic property; and anions of a Bronsted acid which neutralizes the basicity of the fused compound, said Bronsted acid being selected from the group consisting of sulfuric, hydrochloric, phosphoric, hydroiodic, sulfonic, monocarboxylic, and dicarboxylic acids; wherein the complex crystal has a structure in which the cations of the phenanthroline and a chain of the anions of the triiodine are arranged alternately and orderly, and wherein the phenanthroline cations and the Bronsted acid anions form a neutral salt, so that an electron placed on the complex crystal is likely to move because of an interaction between the salt and the triiodine anions. 